The Complete Silk Care Guide

• Wash: Gentle wash, up to 30°C.
• Do not bleach: No bleach.
• Do not tumble dry: Dry flat in the shade.
• Iron: Cool iron only, on the reverse.
• Dry clean: Professional cleaning (P).

The care symbols in the guide are styled after ISO 3758 symbols used in Australia.

• Check the care label.
• Separate colours.
• Turn the fabric inside out.
• Pretreat stains gently.
• Use a mesh bag for delicate items.
• Avoid wringing or twisting.
• Rinse in distilled water if possible.
• Do not leave silk wet for long periods.

1. Use cool water (20–30°C).
2. Add silk-safe detergent.
3. Move the fabric gently; do not scrub.
4. Rinse until the water runs clear.
5. Press between towels to remove excess water.
6. Reshape and lay flat to dry in the shade.

Hand washing is the preferred method for the longest life. Gentle machine washing in a delicates bag is an alternative only when the sewn-in label permits it.

• A front-loading machine is recommended.
• Select the delicate or hand-wash cycle.
• Use cool water and a mesh bag.
• Keep spinning to a minimum.
• Use a pH-neutral, silk-safe detergent.
• Never tumble dry.

Machine washing increases long-term wear, so use it sparingly and follow the care label.

• Lay flat on a towel and reshape while damp.
• Never tumble dry.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.
• Steam with distilled water in the steamer, or use a cool iron on the reverse—never a hot iron.
• Store in breathable garment bags.

• Choose a fragrance-free product with no perfume, essential oils or added oils.
• Look for products specifically made for silk or delicates.
• Choose mild, pH-neutral and enzyme-free formulas. Enzymes can affect protein fibres such as silk.
• Prefer liquid detergent over powder so it rinses out fully.
• Avoid bleach and whitening boosters.

How much: For hand washing, use the amount specified on the bottle for hand washing, or less. For spot treatment, the guide suggests a few drops (approximately ¼ teaspoon) in 1 cup (250 ml) of cool water. Rinse until the water runs clear.

The original guide includes the following optional treatments. Use caution: vinegar, shampoo and other spot treatments may affect some silk dyes or finishes. Test an inside hem first and follow the product care label; when unsure, consult a professional cleaner.

• White vinegar rinse: The guide describes ¼ cup vinegar in 2 litres of cool water, with a 1–2 minute dip of the whole item.
• Vinegar bath for odours: The guide describes 1 cup vinegar in 4 litres of cool water for 1–2 hours.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): For a fresh oil mark, blot and cover with a thin, even layer—approximately 1 teaspoon for a mark the size of a 20-cent coin. Leave 15–30 minutes, then gently brush away before washing.
• Fragrance-free baby shampoo: For set-in oil or makeup, the guide suggests gently working a pea-sized drop into the mark without scrubbing, then washing in cool water with silk-safe detergent. Choose a product without added oils.

Measures: 1 cup = 250 ml; 1 tablespoon = 20 ml; 1 teaspoon = 5 ml (Australian measures).

The guide recommends a conditioner that is fragrance-free, oil-free and silicone-free if attempting its shrinking-bath approach. It gives QV Gentle Conditioner as an example checked in October 2026, and notes that formulas can change. QV Nourishing is distinguished in the guide because it lists silicones.

Important: The PDF does not provide the full shrinking-bath method. Do not attempt a shrink-recovery treatment based on this ingredient guidance alone; seek professional advice for a valuable or damaged item.

• Act quickly; fresh stains are easier to remove.
• Blot straight down with a clean white cloth. Never rub.
• Place a clean white cloth or towel underneath the stain.
• Test the treatment on an inside hem.
• Use cool water (20–30°C); hot water can set stains.
• Do not iron or dry with heat until the mark is gone.
• After treatment, press between towels and dry flat in the shade.
• If a mark remains after two attempts, stop and consult a professional cleaner.

For greasy food such as butter, oil or salad dressing, use the oil-and-grease guidance instead.

1. Lift away solids with the edge of a spoon or card.
2. Blot gently with a clean white cloth.
3. Mix a few drops (approximately ¼ teaspoon) of silk-safe detergent into 1 cup (250 ml) of cool water. Dab from the outside edge of the stain inward.
4. Rinse by dabbing with a clean cloth dampened in cool water.
5. If the mark remains, the PDF suggests a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts cool water (for a small spot, 1 tablespoon vinegar to 3 tablespoons water), left on for no more than a few minutes, then rinsed. Test first; vinegar may affect some dyes.
6. Press between towels and lay flat to dry in the shade.

1. Blot gently to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Run cool water gently through the back of the stained area to flush it out.
3. The PDF suggests dabbing with 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts cool water (1 tablespoon to 3 tablespoons for a small mark), for no more than a few minutes. Test first because vinegar can affect dyes.
4. Rinse thoroughly in cool water. If necessary, wash in cool water with silk-safe detergent.
5. Press between towels and dry flat in the shade.

1. Evenly re-wet the whole affected panel with cool distilled water so it is damp, not dripping. Work outward from the mark to avoid a visible edge.
2. Blot and dry flat away from sunlight and heat.
3. If a ring remains, the guide suggests dabbing with 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts distilled water for no more than a few minutes. Test first.
4. Rinse by dabbing with distilled water, blot and dry flat.

1. Blot gently; never rub.
2. Cover the mark with a thin layer of cornflour (approximately 1 teaspoon for a 20-cent-coin-sized mark), and leave for 15–30 minutes.
3. Brush off gently.
4. Wash with silk-safe detergent in cool water; the guide alternatively describes gently applying a pea-sized drop of fragrance-free baby shampoo.
5. Rinse until clear, press between towels and dry flat in the shade.

For skin oils, moisturiser and scalp products, also read the Body Oils section below.

1. The guide describes mixing ¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar into 2 litres of cool water.
2. Dip the item for 1–2 minutes and lift without wringing.
3. Wash with silk-safe detergent in cool water.
4. Rinse until clear, press between towels and dry flat in the shade.

Check the care label and test an inconspicuous area first; acidic rinses may not suit every silk finish or dye.

1. Take the item outside and gently brush off dry mildew, avoiding inhalation of spores.
2. The PDF describes soaking in 4 litres of cool water with 1 cup (250 ml) of white vinegar for 1–2 hours.
3. Rinse thoroughly, then wash with silk-safe detergent.
4. Press between towels and dry flat in the shade, never in direct sun.

Mildew can cause permanent damage. If there is significant mould, or the smell or mark remains, consult a professional cleaner rather than continuing home treatment.

1. Place a clean white cloth underneath the mark.
2. The PDF suggests carefully dabbing with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, without rubbing.
3. Replace the swab as it picks up ink.
4. Dab with cool water to rinse, press between towels and dry flat.

Caution: Rubbing alcohol can affect some dyes and finishes. Test an inside hem first; professional cleaning is the safer option for valuable or heavily coloured silk.

Water and heat

• Hot water: the guide associates 60°C+ with fibre damage and 40°C with shrinkage and stain setting.
• Tumble drying, hot irons and direct sunlight.

Washing products

• Bleach, chlorine, standard detergents and enzyme (“bio”) detergents.
• Dishwashing liquid, deep-cleaning products and scented detergents.
• Alkaline soap-based products, including bar soap, soap flakes and castile soap.
• Stain sticks, solvent-based removers and makeup wipes used directly on fabric.

Handling

• Wringing, twisting, rubbing or scrubbing.
• Mixing different fabrics in the wash.
• Long soaking, except where the guide specifically describes an odour treatment.
• Leaving silk wet, ignoring stains and over-washing.

Although wool and silk are both protein fibres, wool washes may contain eucalyptus oil, lanolin or other oils intended for wool. The guide warns that these can leave streaks, dull patches or greasy residue on silk.

A label saying “wool & delicates” or even “suitable for silk” is not enough by itself. Check the actual ingredients and choose a fragrance-free, silk-safe product.

Look for

• “pH neutral” or “pH balanced”.
• “For silk” or “for delicates”.
• “Enzyme free”.
• “Fragrance free”.

Avoid front-of-pack claims such as

• Bleach, oxy or oxygen bleach.
• Whitening or brightening.
• Stain remover or stain fighting.
• Bio, biological or enzyme.
• Heavy duty or deep clean.

Avoid ingredients such as

• Sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium hydroxide, sodium percarbonate or sodium metasilicate.
• Optical brighteners.
• Enzymes, often ending in “-ase”, including protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase.
• Fragrance, parfum or perfume.
• Oils or lanolin.

“pH neutral” alone does not rule out essential oils. “Natural”, “plant based” and “no synthetic fragrance” do not guarantee oil-free formulas. If pH is not stated, check the manufacturer’s information rather than assuming.

The guide recommends avoiding oils of all kinds in conditioners and fabric treatments: essential, plant, seed, nut, fruit, mineral and baby oils; butters; waxes; and lanolin. These may leave streaks, patchy sheen, greasy residue, darker colour or long-term wear.

Clues on an ingredient list

• Words such as “oil”, “butter” or “wax”, including botanical names such as Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil.
• “Fragrance”, “parfum”, “perfume” or “aroma”.
• Silicones often ending in “-cone” or “-siloxane”, such as dimethicone.
• Marketing terms including hydrating, nourishing, repairing, smoothing, anti-frizz, shine and keratin warrant checking the ingredient list.

When unsure, choose a clearly labelled fragrance-free, oil-free and silicone-free product.

The PDF lists three troubleshooting topics: Shrinking: Relax & Reshape, Odours: Vinegar Bath, and Dullness: Vinegar Rinse. However, their expanded step-by-step instructions are not included in the supplied PDF.

• Shrinking: The guide mentions an oil-free, fragrance-free, silicone-free conditioner for a “shrinking bath”, but does not provide the full process. Seek professional advice before attempting it.
• Odours: The guide’s Care Products section describes a vinegar bath of 1 cup per 4 litres for 1–2 hours, subject to dye and care-label compatibility.
• Dullness: The guide mentions a vinegar rinse of ¼ cup per 2 litres for 1–2 minutes, but does not give a complete troubleshooting procedure.

For persistent damage or discoloration, use a professional cleaner.

Skin and scalp oils, moisturisers, SPF and hair or scalp products can transfer onto silk overnight. The guide notes that bald or shaved heads may transfer more oil because hair is not present to absorb it. Over time, oils can oxidise and leave dull, dark or yellowed areas. A vinegar rinse alone will not remove set-in oil.

Signs of buildup

• Dull or greasy-looking patches.
• Yellowing or darker spots.
• Loss of sheen.
• A stiff or clingy feel.

Fresh marks

1. Blot gently without rubbing.
2. Apply a thin layer of cornflour for 15–30 minutes.
3. Brush away gently.
4. Wash in cool water (20–30°C) with silk-safe detergent.
5. Press between towels and dry flat in the shade.

Set-in or yellowed patches

1. Test an inside hem.
2. Gently apply a pea-sized drop of fragrance-free baby shampoo with a fingertip.
3. Soak 10–15 minutes in cool water with silk-safe detergent.
4. Rinse until the water runs clear.
5. The PDF recommends finishing with its dullness vinegar rinse; test for colourfastness and consult a professional if uncertain.
6. Press between towels and dry flat in the shade.

If yellowing remains after two attempts, it may be permanent; stop and seek professional cleaning.

Prevention

• Allow face creams, SPF and scalp products to absorb before bed.
• Rotate between two pillowcases.
• For bald, shaved or oily-skinned sleepers, wash every 5–7 nights.

Foundation, concealer, lipstick, mascara and eyeliner often contain oil or wax plus pigment. Treat gently to avoid pushing pigment deeper into the silk.

Fresh marks

1. Lift excess with a clean tissue, pressing lightly. For lipstick, gently scrape away excess with a card edge.
2. Never rub.
3. Apply a thin, even layer of cornflour for 15–30 minutes, then gently brush away.
4. Test on an inside hem.
5. Gently work a pea-sized drop of fragrance-free baby shampoo into the mark with a fingertip.
6. Wash in cool water (20–30°C) with silk-safe detergent.
7. Rinse until clear, press between towels and dry flat in the shade.

Stubborn lipstick, eyeliner or mascara pigment

1. The guide suggests another pea-sized drop of fragrance-free baby shampoo, applied gently without scrubbing.
2. Soak 10–15 minutes in cool water with silk-safe detergent.
3. Check that the mark is gone before drying, as warmth can set it.

Prevention: Remove makeup before bed and let skincare products set fully.

The guide explains that frequent washing can weaken silk protein fibres over time.

Possible signs of over-washing

• Fibre weakening.
• Dullness.
• Thinning.
• Pilling.
• Flattened colour.

Suggested washing frequency

• Pillowcases: Every 7–10 nights.
• Bald, shaved or oily-skinned sleepers, or people using face creams or scalp products: Every 5–7 nights.

Refresh instead when appropriate

• Air out the fabric.
• Steam if permitted by the care label.
• Spot clean gently.
• The PDF suggests an oil-free bedding freshening mist; check product compatibility first.